Police offer tips to handle traffic
State police in Uniontown are issuing traffic reminders for people attending the 84 Lumber Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in Farmington this weekend. “It’s going smoothly, but there’s a few things people need to remember,’ said Cpl. Christopher Neal.
Event tickets for the tournament are not parking permits, Neal explained. And all general parking for those traveling Route 40 from the west is at Richey Field, located off Route 381 south of Route 40. The location is about three-fourths of a mile east of the entrance to Nemacolin Woodlands. Spectators will park there and be shuttled over to the golf tournament.
“This is all done in an effort to make sure nobody gets hurt. We don’t want any pedestrians on Route 40. In a few instances, people have been parking where they’re not supposed to. People will be happy if they follow these directions,’ Neal said.
If Richey Field fills up, a decision will be made to open up the Woodland Zoo and Braddock Inn parking lots for spectators. Any other parking lot requires a permit. Those without permits will be turned away.
“This is all done to get people as close to the event as possible and keep people moving and safe,’ said Neal.
Lt. Charles Depp, station commander, said, “Our only problem is people trying to get closer. There’s nothing closer than Richey Field.’
Traffic coming the from the east on Route 40 will be directed to Fellowship Park east of Flat Rock Road.
The men also said that only people who park at lots authorized by Nemacolin Woodlands will be permitted into the tournament.
Anyone parking anywhere else will not have access to the shuttles and will be turned away.
The state police are patrolling an area from Braddock’s Grave to Flat Rock Road and are also stationed throughout the course.
“We have roaming units that can extend as needed. We can go to the Maryland state line and to Pittsburgh,’ said Depp.
The commander said approximately 40 to 50 troopers are working the tournament.
“The majority of them are in uniform. We have four details that each have one officer in plain clothes on the course,’ Depp said.
He noted the state police are also working with police departments from Uniontown, Connellsville, Brownsville and Perryopolis as well as Nemacolin security and the FBI.
“This is a very safe place,’ said Neal.
As of Friday, state police reported the public has been cooperating.
“Everyone has been great so far,’ said Neal. “We’ve had very few problems.’
The men said the heaviest times for traffic have been early morning until 9 a.m. They were also expecting more traffic Friday afternoon with some people taking off early from work and heading for the tournament.
Traffic today and Sunday will depend on what times golfers are teeing off with more expected when popular golfers are set to play.
In addition, traffic was expected to be heavy after last night’s concert featuring the Doobie Brothers and tonight’s concert featuring Lee Ann Womack.
“We’re expect the concerts to be over between 9 and 10, so it’ll take about an hour to get traffic out,’ said Depp.
The key to traffic during the tournament is patience.
Neal said, “Get here early. Give yourself plenty of time.’
State police advise people to pay attention to the troopers and traffic signs.
Said Neal, “If they do that, they will enjoy themselves.’